2024's Top 10 Must-See TV Series: A Year in Review
2024 delivered a stellar lineup of television, and as the year winds down, it's time to celebrate the best of the best. This article highlights ten critically acclaimed and hugely popular series that dominated 2024.
Table of Contents
- Fallout
- House of the Dragon — Season 2
- X-Men '97
- Arcane — Season 2
- The Boys — Season 4
- Baby Reindeer
- Ripley
- Shōgun
- The Penguin
- The Bear — Season 3
Fallout
IMDb: 8.3 Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
This gripping adaptation of the iconic video game franchise has captivated audiences and critics alike. Set 219 years after a nuclear apocalypse, in the desolate Californian wasteland of 2296, the story follows Lucy, a young woman venturing from the safety of Vault 33 to find her missing father. Her journey intersects with Maximus, a Brotherhood of Steel soldier dedicated to restoring order amidst the chaos. The Brotherhood, with their advanced technology and fortified bases, represents a powerful force in this post-apocalyptic world. For a more in-depth review, visit our website (link provided).
House of the Dragon — Season 2
IMDb: 8.3 Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Season two of House of the Dragon plunges viewers deeper into the brutal power struggle between the Targaryen factions, the Greens and the Blacks, vying for the Iron Throne. Familiar characters meet their ends, while new players emerge, dramatically shifting the balance of power. Rhaenyra's relentless pursuit of the throne, Jacaerys's crucial journey to secure Northern support, and Daemon's capture of Harrenhal are just a few of the season's highlights. This season masterfully portrays the devastating consequences of political machinations on the lives of ordinary citizens across Westeros, from the famine in King's Landing to the suffering of villagers caught in the crossfire of noble feuds. Eight episodes of epic battles, political maneuvering, and personal tragedy await.
X-Men '97
IMDb: 8.8 Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
This animated superhero series revives the magic of the 1992 classic, delivering ten all-new episodes. Picking up where the original left off, the X-Men face a new chapter following Professor X's death, with Magneto stepping into a leadership role. While retaining the beloved aesthetic of the original, the series boasts upgraded animation and introduces a formidable new villain, resolving long-standing conflicts and exploring the complex political landscape of mutant-human relations.
Arcane — Season 2
IMDb: 9.1 Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
The explosive finale of Arcane's first season sets the stage for an even more intense second season. Jinx's devastating attack on Piltover leaves a trail of destruction and shattered hopes for peace. The already fragile relationship between Piltover and the Undercity teeters on the brink of all-out war. This season delivers a satisfying conclusion to the main storyline, while leaving the door open for future spin-offs, as the creators have already announced plans to expand this rich universe. (A detailed review is available on our website – link provided).
The Boys — Season 4
IMDb: 8.8 Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Season four of The Boys throws the world into a state of precarious chaos. Victoria Newman's presidential ambitions are shadowed by Homelander's consolidating power, while Butcher confronts the consequences of his actions, facing a looming death sentence and a fractured team. With trust shattered and disasters looming, the team must overcome their internal struggles to prevent catastrophic events. Eight episodes of intense drama and dark humor await.
Baby Reindeer
IMDb: 7.7 Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
This unexpected Netflix hit, a dark comedy with psychological undertones, follows struggling comedian Donny Dann as he navigates an increasingly unsettling relationship with Marta, a mysterious woman who weaves elaborate, possibly fabricated, stories into his life. The series masterfully balances humor and suspense, exploring themes of obsession and personal boundaries.
Ripley
IMDb: 8.1 Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Netflix's adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel brings Tom Ripley's cunning and morally ambiguous tale to life. This stylish and suspenseful series follows Ripley's desperate schemes for survival, leading him on a perilous journey of deception and ambition.
Shōgun
IMDb: 8.6 Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
Set in 1600 Japan, this series unfolds amidst political intrigue and conflict. A Dutch ship's arrival throws the already tense situation into further turmoil, as the ship's pilot becomes a pawn in the power struggle between rival Japanese regents.
The Penguin
IMDb: 8.7 Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
This spin-off of the 2022 Batman film chronicles Oswald Cobblepot's rise through Gotham's criminal underworld following Carmine Falcone's death. A bloody power struggle ensues as Cobblepot clashes with Falcone's daughter, Sofia, for control of the city's criminal empire.
The Bear — Season 3
IMDb: 8.5 Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
The third season of The Bear centers on the challenges of opening a new restaurant. Carmen Berzatto's stringent kitchen rules spark conflict, while the creative daily menu strains the budget, jeopardizing the restaurant's future and putting pressure on the main investor. A looming review from The Chicago Tribune adds to the mounting pressure.
These ten series represent just a fraction of the incredible television produced in 2024. What are your recommendations? Share your thoughts in the comments!
